German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia Inc.
IPO Dog Sport in Australia
Submission Date: 6 October 2017
Presented on behalf of the GSDCA by the GSDCA Dogsport Working Party (GDWP):
Vince Tantaro1 GSDCA President, GSDCA Breed Surveyor & Specialist Judge & ANKC Judge Member of SV
Julie Urie1 GSDCA Chair of Obedience
Jacinta Poole1 GSDCA Editor and member of GSDCV Management Committee
Karen Eaton2 ANKC Tracking Judge, Treasurer & Training Supervisor GSDL NSW
John Fenner3 ANKC G5 & Obedience, Agility Judge, GSDCA Breed Surveyor & Specialist Judge, Chair of CAWA Appeals Board & Temperament Testing, Member of SV
Sanne Pedersen2 President of Working German Shepherd & Dogsport Clubs of Australasia Inc & member of SDCS Management Committee
Louis Donald4 ANKC & SV Foreign Conformation Judge, GSDCA Breed Surveyor & Specialist Judge, WUSV Continental Director of Oceania
Membership 1 German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria Inc.; 2 German Shepherd Dog League of New South Wales Inc.; 3 German Shepherd Dog Association of Western Australia Inc.; 4 German Shepherd Dog Club of Queensland Inc.
Correspondence To be addressed to the Secretary, GSDCA, [email protected]
Conflict Disclosure & Author Contributions All members of GDWP that they have reviewed and have had substantial contributions to this Submission, approved the content and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the document.
Submission respectfully submitted on behalf of German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia:
Vince Tantaro Date: 6/10/2017 Mr. Vince Tantaro, GSDCA President
Abbreviations
ANKC Australian National Kennel Council Inc.
BH Begleithundprüfung (Traffic-sure companion dog).
FCI Federation of Cynologique Internationale (AISBL)
GDWP GSDCA Dogsport Working Party
GSD German Shepherd Dog
GSDCA German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia Inc.
FMBB Federation Mondiale Berger Belges
IPO International Prüfung Ordnung. It is understood that the words “Schutzhund” and “IPO” will interchangeably mean the FCI governed IPO Dog Sport conducted in accordance with FCI Rules and Regulations for IPO
PPE Personal protective equipment
SV Schäferhunde Verein
VDH Verein of Deutche Hunde (all breed canine council, Germany)
WGSDCA Working German Shepherd & Dogsport Clubs of Australasia Inc
WHP WUSV Harmonisation Plan
WUSV World Union of German Shepherd Dog Clubs
Contents 1 Executive Overview ...... 1 1.1 Preamble ...... 1 1.2 Background - the WUSV Harmonisation Program (WHP) ...... 2 1.3 The WUSV Harmonisation Program & Australian State & Territory Legislations ...... 2 1.4 The German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia & The WUSV Harmonisation Program ...... 3 1.5 Proposition for Consideration ...... 3 1.6 The Benefits of the Change Request ...... 3 2 IPO Dog Sport ...... 4 2.1 Preamble ...... 4 2.2 The IPO Trained Dog ...... 4 2.3 FCI IPO Rules & Regulations ...... 4 2.4 A No Tolerance Policy ...... 5 2.5 Trial & Competition Safeguard Procedures ...... 5 2.6 Today’s Training Methods ...... 5 2.7 IPO Titles – Dogs Who Know Their ABC ...... 5 2.8 The BH Test ...... 5 2.9 IPO Tracking ...... 6 2.10 IPO Obedience ...... 6 2.11 IPO Character Assessment ...... 6 3 The Well-Being of the Modern Day Working Dog ...... 7 4 The Misconceptions Surrounding IPO Dog Sport ...... 7 4.1 “An IPO trained dog is an attack dog and has a greater propensity to bite” ...... 7 4.2 “IPO training generates mean and aggressive dogs” ...... 7 4.3 “The IPO trained dog will be more likely to ‘self-deploy’” ...... 8 5 Precedents of a Favourable View of IPO ...... 8 6 IPO Expertise in Australia...... 8 7 Key Conclusions ...... 9 8 Proposal for Consideration – Recognition of the FCI IPO Scheme in Australia ...... 9 8.1 Adoption Proposal ...... 10 9 Outline of FCI IPO Working Titles – “Dogs who know their ABC”...... 11 10 List of Relevant Policies ...... 12 10.1 ANKC – Constitution ...... 12 10.2 ANKC – Mission Statement ...... 12 10.3 ANKC – Policy on Advantage of Purebred Dogs ...... 12 10.4 ANKC – Policy on Use of Dogs in Sporting and Competition Activities ...... 12 10.5 ANKC – Policy on Attack Training ...... 12
1 Executive Overview
1.1 Preamble
The German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia (GSDCA) is an affiliate of the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) and a member of the World Union of German Shepherd Dog Associations (WUSV).
The GSDCA mission sees it as the guardian of the breed in Australia: Its primary aim is to promote, protect and ensure the welfare and betterment of the German Shepherd Dog.
The GSDCA has modelled itself on the principles as initially espoused by the breeds guardian: Verein Schaeferhunde (SV) and then more widely applied by the WUSV.
We have led the English-speaking world in implementing breed improvement schemes and responsible breeding practices with initiatives such as the Breed Survey Scheme, Tattoo Identification Scheme (ceased 1 July 2017), Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Control Schemes, Haemophilia Scheme and Tooth Certificate Scheme along with monitoring Hereditary Diseases. As a breed council, we have a comprehensive track record in managing our breed with regards to canine health and welfare and a demonstrated ability to develop and administer breed schemes. The WUSV’s stated aim is to ensure there is a uniform breed standard across its member organisations.
This includes harmonisation of views and assessment of German Shepherd Dogs in breed and performance, with clarity in the direction of breeding, training, upbringing, temperament, character and control of hereditary diseases. This aim was further elaborated on at the 2016 WUSV meeting, where WUSV President Professor Messler outlined a proposed WUSV Minimum Breeding Program titled ‘WUSV Breed Harmonisation Matrix’ to WUSV members. The harmonisation initiative originated from concerns about the global decline in the breed standard, temperament, character and broad-based popularity of the German Shepherd Dog. The objective of the WUSV Board is to implement a standard specification based on minimum breeding requirements for German Shepherd Dogs to be bred with across all WUSV members. The end result being, the standard of the German Shepherd Dog will uniformly rise and be consolidated. All WUSV member clubs present, including the GSDCA, agreed to the harmonisation program.
The WUSV, since deciding on the ‘Harmonisation’ Program has further developed the requirements and has asked its members to start on a path to implement the plan accordingly. In the case of the GSDCA, the WUSV Continental Director for Oceania (CDO), Mr Louis Donald presented the full complement of the WUSV Breed Harmonisation Program at a meeting held in Melbourne on June 3rd, 2017 to the GSDCA Executive and Member Club Presidents. In our case 23 schedules were considered with the essential elements to be applied being: temperament, character and breed welfare.
A core component of the Harmonisation Program schedules presented was support for the working dog requirement IPO, ‘Internationale Prüfungs-Ordnüng’. The CDO conveyed the views of the WUSV Board, who consider that the GSDCA has an obligation to embrace and facilitate the participation of German Shepherd Dogs in the sport of IPO in Australia. This is considered by the WUSV Board to be a matter of the high importance. The CDO recommended that the GSDCA accept the schedules. A key outcome from that meeting and presentation of schedules was as follows:
‘At a meeting of the GSDCA Executive and Presidents of all member clubs held in Melbourne 4th June 2017 it was unanimously agreed that the GSDCA will in principle support the objectives of the WUSV Breed Harmonisation Programme and that it will, to the best of its endeavours, work towards the compliance of those stated objectives.’
Having stated support to work towards compliance with the Harmonisation Program, the GSDCA via its member clubs proceeded to a national vote to endorse support for the 23 schedules of the Harmonisation Program, one of which included to embrace and facilitate in
| Page 1 of 14 IPO dog sport for those members of GSDCA who wish to do so. The following motion was carried.
Schedule 19 - “That the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia (GSDCA) shall put a submission to the ANKC that any of its club affiliated members who wish to participate in the sport of IPO, may do so providing it is done with full compliance of state or territory law.
The context of this motion entails the GSDCA seeking ANKC approval to implement IPO dog sport for its members. This is driven by the temperament and character requirement stated in the GSD Breed Standard and our agreement to support the WUSV Harmonisation Program, in which IPO dog sport is integral to ensuring that German Shepherd Dogs demonstrate the necessary working ability and character needed to meet the Breed Standard as defined by the SV.
The GSDCA wishes to comply with the ANKC Constitution, Rules and Policies. Subject to ANKC approval of allowing its members to partake in IPO dog sport and with a regulatory framework in place for compliance, the GSDCA shall formulate policies and procedures including training regimes for GSDCA members, judges training and licensing that complies with FCI IPO Rules and Regulations. These rules, policies, regulations and procedures shall apply to all GSDCA affiliates and their members.
As a National Breed Council, we are compelled to ensure the longevity of the German Shepherd Dog as pertains to the Breed Standard.
The following submission presents a case for the recognition of IPO in Australia, that is, dog sport and the character working phase that the German Shepherd Dog is inherently recognised for.
1.2 Background - the WUSV Harmonisation Program (WHP)
The WUSV World Harmonisation Program aims to standardise the attitudes and assessments of the GSD in breed and performance worldwide and was approved at the 2016 WUSV Board Meeting. The WHP stipulates mandatory procedures for the WUSV Affiliates to adopt and practise in order to retain or become members. The requirements pertain to the selection of animals for breeding1,2,3 and includes the governed FCI IPO Dog Sport Scheme (Section 2) as the gauge to fulfil the retention of traits specified in the GSD Breed Standard such as, but not limited to, steady nerves, self-assurance, confidence, courage, physical resilience, instinctive drive, trainability and scenting ability. Further the WUSV Affiliates are requested to include the FCI IPO Dog Sport to ensure a framework for the modern working dog in which it can be stimulated according to its capabilities, but also to be used as a quality control test for identification of animals with undesirable character traits.
NOTE: The FCI IPO Regulations4 are valid for all the FCI members and all training and competitions are subject to these guidelines. The National Organisation (i.e. in this case, the ANKC) of the FCI is entitled to supervise but may assign the task to a knowledgeable person.
1.3 The WUSV Harmonisation Program & Australian State & Territory Legislations
The Australian State and Territory legislations surrounding companion dogs and dangerous dogs in their various terms of reference can be seen to be directed toward dogs who are urged to harass, menace or attack other animals or persons with the intent to cause fear or bodily harm.
There is no civilized country in the world, including Germany, which does not have Government legislation with this objective and intent at its core.
In IPO Dogsport, the dog is taught to bite something well defined (the sleeve) in a well-defined, well-controlled, and in a certain context (the FCI IPO Rules & Regulations) by a highly trained and consenting helper. At no time is the helper in fear of being attacked, menaced or harassed.
| Page 2 of 14 Therefore, the conduct of the IPO sleeve-work, except for the State of Victoria, is not a banned activity or cited in companion dogs and dangerous dogs legislations in Australia – a stand point that is further supported by the fact that well over the majority of the 81 WUSV members conduct FCI IPO Dog Scheme.5 In Victoria, a dog must not be trained by a non-prescribed (layperson) to bite something worn (Domestic Animal Act No 81/1994, §28A) and such trained dogs are automatically declared dangerous (§34A(b)). Yet, a dog without any such training needs to commit the crime of rushing/chasing a person/animal in a menacing way, which the Victorian State Government describes as aggressive behaviour and may be defined as snarling, growing and raising of hackles.6
Responsible owners of sportive dogs are therefore prohibited to partake in an IPO Dog Sport Scheme which not only is internationally recognised to be for the betterment of working dogs, but also as noted: the Australian Minister for Agriculture and Forestry, who in 2005 launched a Program to improve the health and welfare of Australian working dogs, which included IPO sporting dogs as well – IPO is actually used to define what a Sporting Dog is (Section 4).
Likewise, the Victorian Law also prohibits responsible breeders of working dogs (except for those being GSD breeders and members of GSDCV and DogsVIC), who wish to utilise the IPO Sports Scheme to gain insight into a dog’s character, temperament and strength of nerves to inform suitable animals for breeding.
1.4 The German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia & The WUSV Harmonisation Program
The GSDCA fully supports the WUSV WHP, as it is in alignment with several Mission Statements, Objectives, Rules & Regulations of both the GSDCA and the ANKC. Particularly, we note the following ANKC Policies: “Advantage of Purebred Dogs”, “Use of Dogs in Sporting and Competition Activities” and “Adoption of Breed Standard” (Section 9).
At the GSCDA Special General Meeting July 28, 2017,7 the GSDCA membership carried several motions, including the rescindment of its current policy on IPO in Australia, to facilitate a multi-year process to align the GSDCA with the WUSV Harmonisation Program, which essentially means certain working titles become mandatory pre-requisites for breed survey3:
As per anno 1989, the Council recognised IPO Dog Sport to be of great social benefit, but more importantly of great benefit for the welfare of the Australian German Shepherd Dog (Section 4). This recognition is in alignment with the ANKC Policy “Use of dogs in Sporting & Competition Activities”.8 Said differently, the GSDCA recognises the IPO Scheme, with its 3 sub-disciplines (tracking, obedience and character assessments as a welfare sport and neither IPO trained dogs or the sport, when conducted in full compliance with the FCI IPO Rules & Regulation, present a danger to others. This view was most recently communicated to the Victorian Government in 2009 when a member Club of Council, in conjunction with Dogs Victoria, initiated, negotiated and obtained an exemption from the Victorian Dangerous Dog Legislation for imported IPO titled dogs – we assume the support provided by DogsVIC is reflective of that of the ANKC in its entire entity, given the fact that such titles are placed on Registration Certificates of imported IPO titled dogs.9
1.5 Proposition for Consideration
The ANKC agrees to sanction the FCI IPO dog sport scheme as a recognised activity in Australia, on the provision that such activities being conducted are in full compliance with the FCI IPO Rules & Regulations and Australian State & Territory legislation.
1.6 The Benefits of the Change Request
The recognition of IPO activities in Australia will enable GSDCA to assess the GSD for desired working attributes as specified in the FCI Breed (GSD) Standard No 166. It is our strong belief that this will add to the health, welfare and soundness of this breed in Australia, i.e. in alignment with the ANKC Mission Statement of striving for Breed Excellence. Further, mainstream recognition of the FCI IPO Dog Sport Scheme will provide a nation-wide regulatory framework
| Page 3 of 14 that accommodates working dogs’ need for physical and mental stimulation while providing opportunities and encouragement for owners to socialise and train their dogs.
Further information on FCI IPO dog sport, internationally as well as nationally, is provided below as well as a Model Proposal for IPO dog sport adoption in Australia.
2 IPO Dog Sport
2.1 Preamble
In 1901, SV introduced working trials as they saw a loss of workability due to careless breeding and a rise of the GSD as a popular show dog. The working trials enable selection of animals possessing the desired Breed Standard characteristics such as endurance, agility, intelligence, work ethics. The necessity of selective breeding to keep breed specific characteristics is in accordance with ANKC policies.10,11
In 2004, the SV adopted the FCI governed IPO (International Prüfung Ordnüng) Utility Dog Scheme, which covers the Rules and Regulations of what is now the largest competitive dog sport in the world. Simplistically speaking, it consists of three sub-disciplines including tracking, obedience and character assessment (See Section 2.7 for more details).
A dog must pass a BH test to qualify for an IPO1 entry (Sections 2 and 9). Passing a Written Test is a requirement for first-time handlers (i.e. never done a BH before) and must be passed before continuing to the practical part of a BH.
Contrary to guard, security, protection dog training, which use full body bite suits or hidden sleeves, the IPO dog is not taught to bite indiscriminately unlike service assault / attack dogs. The dog is trained in a very specific way, using a visual prop (the sleeve), place, context to bite (examples: Illustrative of dog focus on the sleeve: click this video; Illustrative of dog not being attack dog trained, click this link) under the direct control of its handler.
2.2 The IPO Trained Dog
The IPO trained dog is a confident dog with excellent control. It is a safer dog as the training teaches it specific rules and boundaries, which are only being utilised in sporting and competition activities as per ANKC policy. All training is non-tactical and unlike service trained dogs they are not trained to be ‘attack’ dogs.
Dogs who only possess valuable traits such as self-control, obedience (the level expected of an IPO dog far exceeds any obedience expected of a well-trained pet) and clarity (the ability to think and remain clear-headed under stress and listening to his handler), are suitable for IPO dog training.
In fact it’s the alternative, where a dog that lacks self-control, clarity and obedience, that truly constitutes a dangerous dog.
The sport of IPO is enjoyed by persons of all ages and varied professions with a common interest in working with their dogs12 and it is often a family sport.13 The fulfilment that such dogs find in doing this kind of work is displayed in wagging tails, sounds of excitement and strong pulling on leashes as they wait for their turn to go onto the training and/or trial field.14
2.3 FCI IPO Rules & Regulations
The health and welfare of the participating dogs are of foremost importance and there is an emphasis on a dog’s capability to perform the sport, as anything else would contradict every ethical level of consciousness.
Only healthy and capable (physically and mentally) dogs can participate in IPO dog sport. Any dog (purebred or not) can participate in IPO Dogsport subject to such dog being capable to do
| Page 4 of 14 so. Character traits such as self-confidence, drive predisposition (not to be confused with aggression) and pleasure in working must be a distinctive feature in the dog.
The FCI Rules & Regulations4 dictates the procedures that one shall adhere to in terms of training, trialling and competition. The Scheme defines trial seasons, trial procedures, Judge Procedures & Powers, expected conduct of handlers, liability insurance, helper regulations, disciplinary rights/banning and dog requirements (health, age, vaccinations, identification, temperament, mandatory scorebooks, etc.). It also dictates the specifications for appropriate venue, parking and trials.
2.4 A No Tolerance Policy
There is no tolerance for dogs with any weakness in character such as fear and aggression. It is mandatory to show happy, excited, well-trained and self-confident dogs. Any dog showing any kind of aggression, shyness or fear shall be disqualified (or suspended pending the policies implemented by the managing Organisation).15, 16
2.5 Trial & Competition Safeguard Procedures
All dogs must have an approved scorebook prior to any trial entries. Information such as name of judge, name of hosting club, trial location, dog name, dog ID (microchip or tattoo), DOB, trial entry levels, scores & grading (if applicable) must be recorded for all trial entries – also if the dog fails or is disqualified - and signed by the Trial Judge and Trial Secretary. Proof of up-to- date vaccination records are required. All participating dogs must undergo an identification, health and temperament check prior to any practical testing.
A judge shall, at any time during the duration of a trial, disqualify a participating dog for showing fear, aggression and/or appearing unwell. The handler and dog report in and out to the judge for each of the three disciplines. This allows the judge to assess for any undesirable behaviours in various types of mental drives (low to high: tracking, obedience, character assessment). The judge shall terminate a trial if the order and the safety is compromised in anyway.
Both the FCI and the SV have highly advanced international Training and Certification Programs for Helpers and Judges to ensure the safety and welfare of dogs. Only licensed Judges and certified Helpers can be used at IPO trial events.
A judge is not allowed to officiate any dog owned or living in the same household.
2.6 Today’s Training Methods
As holds true for all dog sports, including IPO, the training methods have evolved greatly over the years and are vastly different to practices of the past. It is now mandatory to show happy, excited, well-trained and self-confident dogs in IPO. Consequently, positive imprinting is often done with food treats, clickers and/or balls/tugs/toys (One example is available here click)
2.7 IPO Titles – Dogs Who Know Their ABC
There are five 3-discipline IPO titles (listed in order of difficulty: IPO-V0, -ZTB, -1, -2 and -3). Appendix A provides a summary of all the working titles offered under the FCI IPO Rules & Regulation Scheme, including minimum age and pre-requisite titles. An IPO title is awarded if a dog receives at least 70 out of 100 points in each of three disciplines, commonly referred to as A (tracking), B (Obedience) and C (Character work or protection work). Hence the popular tagline “Dogs who know their ABC”. As mentioned above, a dog needs to pass a BH test (“the beginners test) before it can move on to IPO titles. A first-time handler needs to pass a written test to enable him to enter a dog in a BH test.
2.8 The BH Test
The BH test includes an obedience routine (Section 9) and a traffic test which assesses the dog’s behaviour towards normal life situations (other dogs, joggers, bicyclist, cars, strangers etc.). The BH test is like the Canine Good Citizen test, with the addition of an extensive obedience routine.
| Page 5 of 14
A dog needs to get a minimum of 70 to pass the obedience routine, which is a prerequisite to be eligible to perform Part B – the Traffic Test.
2.9 IPO Tracking
This phase tests trainability, ability to scent, and mental and physical endurance. Tracks are laid by either the dog handler or unknown tracklayer walking in a normal pace on a natural surface such as dirt or grass and includes a number of turns (2-5) and 2x10cm articles made of wood, fabric or leather (2-3). The dog may execute the track off-lead or on a 10m leash and is expected to demonstrate ‘footprint by footprint’ scenting. The IPO tracking is very like ANKC tracking, although greater precision and accuracy is demanded of the IPO dog.
2.10 IPO Obedience
This phase tests temperament, structural efficiencies, enthusiasm and willingness to serve its owner. It includes a series of heeling exercises (includes two gun shots), field exercises (sit, down, stand, recalls), dumbbell retrievals (on a flat surface, over a 0.8-1m hurdle and/or 180cm scaling wall), send-away followed by a drop command (often referred to as the ‘safety brake’ exercise as it demonstrates a handler can drop his dog at a distance), and a long-down exercise off leash and handler either 20m away (BH, The BH and obedience disciplines of IPO-V0 and -ZTP are somewhat like ANKC obedience titles but the required precision, execution and attentiveness vastly exceeds the requirement of ANKC obedience titles. 2.11 IPO Character Assessment This phase tests correct instinctive behaviour including courage, strength, agility, temperament, nerve capacity and obedient behaviour. The phase involves a certified Helper, who wears PPE a per FCI Guidelines. It includes search of hiding places, finding and indication of the hiding Helper, prevention of an escape, side/back transport to demonstrate controllable drives and a courage test where the dog, on command, is sent towards an approaching Helper. Each individual exercise within the IPO Character assessment program has a purpose of revealing and testing different facets of a dog’s genetic temperament. There are respectively 3, 4 and 5 sleeve bites in IPO1, -2 and 3. All grips are evaluated on calmness. The dog must release the sleeve on command. This is in sharp contrast to Protection/Guard Dog training (click here). There is no aggression, malice or menacing behaviour (see previous links provided) trained in the character assessment under the FCI IPO Scheme. If there is no sleeve and the dog is presented for a similar scenario the dog will simply not engage.26 This is best demonstrated in this video. A final point and one that relates to the previous paragraph is that the Police want dogs bred from working lines but they have no interest in IPO trained dogs. This is because IPO trained dogs are unsuitable for Police work, where unlike IPO dogs Police and indeed all Protection Trained Service Dogs are trained to react to multiple situations, not simply bite a padded sleeve as part of an interactive game. | Page 6 of 14 3 The Well-Being of the Modern Day Working Dog The IPO Scheme is a recognised framework enabling the modern day working dog to be stimulated according to its abilities and capabilities. Consequently, any countries and working-dog organisations dedicated to responsible dog ownership and the well-being of the working dog has adopted the IPO Scheme.5 In 2005, the Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry launched a scheme aimed to improve health and welfare of the Australian working dogs to support the working dog industries from the perspective of the Five Freedoms.17 The scheme included sporting dogs, with a specific mentioning of IPO dog sport. The welfare of the working dogs was deemed unsupported regardless of what breed or working role of the dogs (that being service, recreation, display or sport).18,19,20 4 The Misconceptions Surrounding IPO Dog Sport There is a large gap in perception between public fears and facts in terms of IPO Dog Sport. Factors widening that gap include lack of control over a perceived threat, lack of trust and lack of information about the true nature of the threat. 4.1 “An IPO trained dog is an attack dog and has a greater propensity to bite” This stems from the fear that a dog taught to bite is more dangerous. An analogy would be to state that a child trained in martial arts is more likely to hit people. The reverse is true - it helps the child to develop confidence, respect and self-control, and teaching them how to control the taught skill and when to use it, which would primarily be in training and competitions. The same is true for IPO dog training. The dog’s instinctual desires are conditioned into something that is well-defined, well-controlled and performed within the context of the FCI IPO rules and regulations. The IPO dog is trained for sport purposes, and has nothing to do with tactical training (the training used for protection, guard, security dogs). A z-score 2-population t-test may be a way of getting an objective measure of risk. This caters for a comparison of GSD bite incidents rates in Australia (+30yrs of a GSD gene pool without mandatory character assessments for breed eligibility) vs Germany (mandatory character assessments). A challenging exercise due to the limited, incomplete and fragmented information on dog bites in both countries. Nevertheless, if using what is available in the public domain, the estimated bite rate for GSD is 0.53 per 100 dogs in Australia (assumption: NSW is a good indicator of the rest of Australia).21 In Germany, the bite incidence rate was estimated to be 0.2.22 The difference in GSD Bite Incident Rates between Australia and Germany are statistically significant (z-score 2-population testing, p <0.05)23, hence supports an argument that utilisation of the IPO Dog Sport Scheme for selective breeding is likely to produce a mentally sounder population of dogs. 4.2 “IPO training generates mean and aggressive dogs” This stems from the perception that an IPO trained dog must have been made or forced to bite. The heritage of the GSD as a herding dog means they enjoy gripping things like their toys/tugs and hence the phrase “German Shredder”. One only needs to watch young dogs barking excitedly, eager to get the game going, that game being catching the sleeve. They have a great and deep satisfaction in this kind of work, hence for the betterment of their mental welfare and in accordance with ANKC Policies (Appendix B). An example of the IPO bite-work being sleeve focused is illustrated in this link. | Page 7 of 14 4.3 “The IPO trained dog will be more likely to ‘self-deploy’” This stems from a fear that an IPO trained dog might make its own decision to go after someone. However, an IPO trained dog has learned contextual rules about when it should or should not engage someone. This was also the conclusion made in the Victorian 1998 Burns vs Casey City Council Appeal (further details provided below)24. 5 Precedents of a Favourable View of IPO A significant amount of helpful information – regarding addressing the misconceptions mentioned above - has emerged since the GSDCA Policy Statement on IPO in 1989: A. For decades, ANKC members who own working dog breeds have imported IPO titled dogs from all over the world. In our case, members have done so in order to diversify bloodlines and ensure the true character of the breed is maintained. We have observed no issues relating to the fact that such animals were trained in IPO. None of the dogs listed in the ANKC Suspension Register25 appear to have IPO titles. B. In 2009, the Victorian GSDCA Member Club (GSDCV), in conjunction with the ANKC Member State Body, Dogs Victoria, obtained an Order of Council which saw imported IPO titled dogs to be exempt for the Victorian Dangerous Dog Legislation under some strict provisions. The exemption was sought based on the experience learnt from the above paragraph, namely that IPO titled dogs presented no danger to the public due to their breeding, temperament and training. C. In 1998, a dangerous dog decision by the Casey City Council based on Schutzhund training was appealed by the owner. The case was set aside as the judge concluded that the ‘attack’ of the dog was limited to the sleeve. The judge described the sleeve work as sterile, simulated and hollow – with no risk of ‘boil over’ – hence the judge concluded that the Schutzhund training was far removed from guard or security dog training. The Judge commented that Schutzhund training of the dog most likely made the dog less likely to bite.26 D. In 2005, the Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry recognised Schutzhund as a sporting dog activity. See Section 3 for more details. E. In 2006, the South Australia Dog & Cat Management Board tabled a review of IPO Dog Sport, and concluded that it did not constitute attack dog training. Further, in the SA Dog and Cat - Management Act 45D “Attack dog training” is defined as a dog trained to bite a person wearing a full body protection suit as attack training. 6 IPO Expertise in Australia It is difficult to get a clear picture of exactly how many people train IPO due to the fact it is a fringe activity as the ANKC does not recognise any body that conducts IPO. The earliest records of individual groups that participated in Schutzhund in some format dates back to 1986. There are 3 well-known organisations whose membership is partaking in IPO activities and operating as per the FCI IPO Rules & Regulations: 1. Working German Shepherd & Dogsport Clubs of Australasia (WGSDCA) Inc formed in 1990 (http://wgsdca.org.au/). 2. Schutzhund Australia Inc (SA) – formed in 2005 (http://www.schutzhundaustralia.com/). 3. Working Malinois Australia – formed late 2015 and was granted a direct affiliation with the FMBB in 2016 (http://workingmalinoisaustralia.com/). | Page 8 of 14 All three organisations have certified IPO Judges and Helpers. No doubt the expertise within these organisations will be of great value to the ANKC, GSDCA and any other ANKC affiliates that wishes to offer IPO to its members As per GSDCA Objectives, and a shared objective to improve the Australian GSD as well as the fact that some members of GSDCA Member Clubs are members of these organisations that sit outside of the ANKC umbrella, we would expect that members of the three organisations that own GSDs would be most active within our Council Member Clubs and help establish and offer IPO to our members to participate in. The ‘missing brick’ in all the GSDCA has done to date is in fact the character / working test - ANKC recognition of IPO will finally allow the GSDCA to fulfil its mission. 7 Key Conclusions - The IPO dog sport Scheme has been governed by the FCI since 2004 - The IPO Rules & Regulations provide strict guidelines for the conduct of IPO dog training, with an emphasis on a dog’s capability to perform the sport - It’s mandatory to show happy, excited, well-trained and self-confident dogs - The FCI IPO Scheme also provides strict guidelines for education and certification of IPO Judges and Helpers - The Scheme provides a framework for the modern day working dog to be stimulated according to its abilities and hence making it a happier and safer dog - It provides an environment for the mutual enjoyment of handlers and dogs - It tests and demonstrates a dog’s mental stability, trust, confidence, endurance, structural efficiencies, scent ability, willingness to work and trainability - Hence, providing responsible breeders insight to determine whether to use a dog in their breeding programs - The dog’s instinctual desires are conditioned into something that is well-defined, well-controlled, and performed with a specific context only - There is no evidence of IPO dogs being more dangerous than dogs without IPO training - The Scheme is in full alignment with the Mission Statement and various Policy Statements within both the ANKC and FCI - Successful working dog organisations are reliant on their Member Clubs only using experienced trainers/helpers. Provision of continuous education programs for members of a working dog organisation is imperative to safe conduct of IPO dog sport training. 8 Proposal for Consideration – Recognition of the FCI IPO Scheme in Australia The welfare of the Australian working breeds must be the driving force that finally sees IPO activities to be recognised by the ANKC. The ANKC should recognise the social and welfare benefits on equal terms of this sport along with other working dog activities such as herding. It is noted that the legislation in Victoria may be seen as discriminatory if the ANKC sanctions IPO Dog sport. However there is no reason why an approach could not be made to the Victorian Government based on the fact that animals imported with IPO titles pose no threats, therefore the same should apply to IPO titled dogs in Australia. Under the ANKC umbrella, it could be demonstrated to government that the ANKC is a credible organisation, capable of the management of the IPO dog sport as a function of its FCI affiliation and to demonstrate that Australian trained IPO dogs are equal to their imported counterparts. The fact is that the FCI rules, regulations and safeguards apply worldwide and therefore the standards dictate that an Australian trained IPO dog, like its imported counterpart presents no risk to the public. In furtherance of the recent decision of the ANKC to remain an Associate Member of the FCI (which is in line with the GSDCA aim to guide uniform development of the GSD breed with an emphasis on maintaining and improving its character as part of the breed’s inherit working ability) and in recognition of our mutual interest to promote excellence in breeding, the use of dogs in sporting and competition activities and the ownership of temperamentally sound and physically sound pure bred | Page 9 of 14 dogs by responsible individuals across Australia26, as well as the obligation of the ANKC to act as a Federal organisation that represents the interest of its Member Bodies and enable such Member Bodies to take actions on matters which are of common interest and mutual benefit27, we therefore propose the following Model of IPO Adoption in Australia. 8.1 Adoption Proposal Step 1 The ANKC agrees in principle to introduce the FCI IPO Dog Sport scheme as a sanctioned activity that can be conducted in Australia, on the provision that such activities are conducted in full compliance with the FCI IPO Rules & Regulations and Australian State & Territory legislation. Step 2 The ANKC agrees in principle to accept affiliation request from IPO Dog Sport Clubs. Step 3 An ANKC IPO Dog Sport working Party is formed and represented by, but not limited to, delegates from ANKC Member Bodies, National Breed Councils (whose breeds are known to participate in IPO) and IPO Dog Sport Clubs Step 4 The ANKC IPO Dog Sport Working Party will consider direction as given by the ANKC which may include: recommend a framework that will apply nationally for the conduct of IPO and the awarding of FCI IPO titles. Due consideration must be given to administration, control and due diligence regarding how Dog Sport is conducted if the ANKC approves its adoption for its members to participate in this activity. | Page 10 of 14 9 Outline of FCI IPO Working Titles – “Dogs who know their ABC”. A Temperament Test is conducted throughout the duration of a trial. A dog who is insecure, frightened, move away from a person, nervous, aggressive or gun shy shall be disqualified. Title Prefix: BH IPO ZTP IPO-V0 IPO1 IPO2 IPO3 FH1 FH2 IPO-FH AD2 Work Assessments3 B ABC ABC ABC ABC ABC A A A Endurance Min Age (mo)1 15 15 15 18 19 20 18 18 20 16 Pre-requisite - BH BH BH IPO1 IPO2 BH BH FH2 - 1 A dog must meet the required age limit. No exceptions are permitted. 2 The SV Endurance Test (AD) is very similar to the ANKC ED test: 20km fast gait divided in three sections of 8-, 7- and 5km parts with 20 min breaks in between. Speed is 12-15km/hr. 3 A = tracking, B = obedience, C= character assessment. “Dogs who know their ABC”: Exercise Descriptions. BH IPO ZTP IPO-VO IPO1 IPO2 IPO3 FH1 FH2 IPO-FH Notes (A) TRACKING ASSESSMENT Note: The FCI IPO scheme also offers the individual phases of IPO1-3 as stand-alone titles, i.e. IPO tracking (FPr1-3), obedience Length (paces) - 300 200 300 400 600 1200 1800 2x1800 (Upr1-3) and Character (Spr1-3). The WGSDCA does not offer Spr1-3 titles (protection) only due to self-explanatory reasons. Age of track (min) - 20 instant 20 30 60 180 180 2x60 Likewise, the 2-phase titles including Obedience and Protection (Apr 1-3) are not offered either. Tracklayer - handler handler handler stranger stranger stranger stranger stranger Cross-track - no no no no no yes yes no Number of corners - 2 1 2 2 4 6 7 8 Number of articles - 2 1 2 2 3 4 7 7 (B) OBEDIENCE ASSESSMENT On leash heeling Y Y ------Off leash heeling Y - Y Y Y Y - - - Gun shots - Y Y Y Y Y - - - Sit Y Y Y Y Y Y - - - Down with recall Y Y Y Y Y Y - - - Stand - - - - Y Y - - - Retrieve on flat - Y-650g Y-Article Y-650g Y-1000g Y-2000g - - - Retrieve over hurdle - Y-0.8m Y-0.8m Y-1m Y-1m Y-1m - - - Retrieve over 180cm scaling frame - - - Y Y Y - - - Send out - - - Y Y Y - - - Down under distraction Y Y Y Y Y Y - - - Traffic test Y ------ (C) CHARACTER ASSESMENT Blind Search - 1 1 2 4 6 - - - Hold & Bark - Y Y Y Y Y - - - Escape & Defence - - Y Y Y Y - - - Back transport - - - - Y Y - - - Courage test - Y Y Y Y Y - - - Side transport - Y Y Y Y Y - - - | Page 11 of 14 10 List of Relevant Policies 10.1 ANKC – Constitution http://ankc.org.au/media/6601/ankc-limited_constitution_2011v5.pdf To encourage and promote in every way the general improvement of the recreation, sport, standard, breeding, exhibition and training of dogs. To act as a Federal organisation representing the interest of its Member Bodies in each of the States and Territories of the Commonwealth of Australia and to enable its Member Bodies to take co-operative action on matters which are of common interest and are for their mutual benefit. 10.2 ANKC – Mission Statement http://ankc.org.au/AboutUs/?id=2403 To promote excellence in breeding, showing, trialling, obedience and other canine related activities and the ownership of temperamentally and physically sound purebred dogs by responsible individuals across Australia. To promote responsible dog ownership and encourage State Member Bodies to put in place programs to that effect. To act as spokesperson on all canine related activities on a National basis on behalf of State Member Bodies and to pledge assistance and support to the respective State Member Bodies. 10.3 ANKC – Policy on Advantage of Purebred Dogs http://ankc.org.au/media/6518/1-advantages-of-pure-bred-dogs_oct-14.pdf The ANKC Policy “Advantages of Pure Bred Dogs” recognises that man has endeavoured since the beginning of time to breed animals with desired characteristics and features to eliminate undesired features, and selective breeding is necessary to keep breed specific characteristics, that being temperament as well as anatomic structure. Responsible breeding provides certainty in the characteristics of a purebred dog which means that purebred progeny will be more predictable as to the size, characteristics and temperament as an adult dog. Purchase of purebred dogs should be the choice of those who is seeking a dog that fully meet expectations as per breed specific standards. 10.4 ANKC – Policy on Use of Dogs in Sporting and Competition Activities http://ankc.org.au/media/6518/1-advantages-of-pure-bred-dogs_oct-14.pdf The Australian National Kennel Council Limited and its Member Bodies encourage and support the interaction and mutual enjoyment of handler and dog in all sporting activities catered for by the many disciplines encompassed within their jurisdiction. 10.5 ANKC – Policy on Attack Training http://ankc.org.au/media/6519/2-attack-training_oct-14.pdf The Australian National Kennel Council Limited and its Member Bodies totally and unequivocally oppose the practices of training of any dog to attack humans or any other animals, or of causing dogs to fight. | Page 12 of 14 References 1 WUSV Harmonisation Plan https://www.wusv.org/en/storage-folder/news/02062017/ 2 WUSV ZAP Part 2 https://www.schaeferhunde.de/en/navigation/service/the- club/news/detail/news/detail/zuchtanlagepruefung-zap-konzept/ 3 WUSV Breeding Matrix https://www.schaeferhunde.de/fileadmin/SV/Images/ZAP_03-2017.png 4 The FCI Rules & Regulations www.fci.be/medias/UTI-REG-IPO-en-498.pdf 5 WUSV Affiliates. There are currently 81 WUSV Affiliates, representing 79 countries. A review of their respective websites implies 95% to partake in the FCI IPO scheme (61/64, the remaining had no websites. If including these the proportion decreases to 75%). https://www.wusv.org/en/countries/ 6 http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets/dogs/dog-attacks-dangerous-and-menacing-dogs 7 GSDCA SGM 28 July 17 Minutes http://www.gsdcouncilaustralia.org/meetings/ 8 http://ankc.org.au/media/6536/19-use-of-dogs-in-sporting-and-cometition-activities_oct-14.pdf 9 ANKC Regulation Part 6 “Registration” http://ankc.org.au/media/8932/6-ankc-ltd-reg6_registration_apr- 17.pdf 10 Advantage of Purebred Dogs http://ankc.org.au/media/6518/1-advantages-of-pure-bred-dogs_oct- 14.pdf 11 GSD Extended Standard http://www.gsdcouncilaustralia.org/gsdcacontent/uploads/2015/03/GSD- Extended-Breed-Standard2015.pdf 12 http://www.louisdonald.com/australian-ipo-national-championships-2016.html 13 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVwUvt9NfCE 14 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWmlk-mcx1o 15 Aggression – suspension Policy https://www.wgsdca.org.au/mission-policy-statements 16 USCA suspension policy (page 4) https://www.germanshepherddog.com/wp- content/uploads/2014/10/USCA-Rules-Regs-updated-2014.pdf 17 The Five Freedoms http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121010012427/http://www.fawc.org.uk/freedoms.htm 18 AAWS http://www.australiananimalwelfare.com.au/content/working-groups 19 Working Dog Australia Survey http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1873014/working- dog-survey.pdf 20 AWWS http://www.australiananimalwelfare.com.au/app/webroot/files/upload/files/AWDIAP_2012_BransonCobbMcG reevy.pdf 21 Dog attacks in NSW http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/Annual-reports-of-dog-attacks-in-NSW- 2011-12.pdf 22 Dog bites Germany http://www.mz-web.de/sachsen-anhalt/beissattacken-in-sachsen-anhalt-diese- hunderassen----haben-besonders-haeufig-zugebissen-25774118 | Page 13 of 14 23 Population Proportion 2-sided t-test 24 Burns v Casey CC (1997/20023) [1998] VICCAT (17 July 1998) 25 ANKC Suspension Register http://ankc.org.au/AboutUs/?id=1173 26 ANKC Mission Statement http://ankc.org.au/AboutUs/?id=2403 27 ANKC Constitution http://ankc.org.au/media/6601/ankc-limited_constitution_2011v5.pdf | Page 14 of 14